 I realized the other day that I had let an important aspect of God’s word slip through my fingers.
I was standing in a church service (which is a great place for self-realization) and it hit me. It may have been caused by the uncertainties of the pandemic... or I may have simply let my worries and doubts push the truth out of my heart.
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 It’s easy to get excited about planting flowers and gardens when spring bursts on the scene. Everything speaks “life!” This is the time I usually spend way too much on seeds and starter plants, dreaming of the harvest to come.
I’ve learned, however, that life seasons don’t necessarily match nature’s seasons...  “God is with those who obey him...” Psalm 14:5 NLT Are you feeling alone in life? You may feel abandoned by a spouse who seems distant... or perhaps you’ve gone through a divorce and the initial relief has turned into loneliness.
God is with those who obey him. Another version says, “God is present in the company of the righteous” Psalm 14:5 NIV. Maybe you started on a grand project with others cheering you on and one by one they’ve drifted away to other things...  “Can these dry bones live?” It’s easy to fall into hopelessness and despair when it seems life has passed you by. A womb that remained barren, a relationship that never blossomed, a career that never took off the way you expected—your dreams shriveled and dry...
 Have you ever come to a bend in the road and hesitated? Not sure what will happen if you take a job in another city or commit to a relationship or share your faith with a coworker—you stall in your tracks.
There may be a fear factor involved or a risk you’re not prepared to take. Moving forward into the unknown can be intimidating if you’re unsure of what lies ahead...  Ever wish life offered “do-overs”? You can have a fresh start in God and actually – you can rewrite your life story. Paul did it. Jonah did it. You can do it too.
Don’t be afraid to consider rewriting what your future looks like. All things are possible with God!  “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” Psalm 37:22 NLT
Have you ever had a chance meeting that seemed way beyond coincidence? Running into an old friend at the grocery store, meeting someone who is the missing piece in your entrepreneurial venture, or encountering a person who desperately needs God’s love and you just “happen” to be there to share it with them. I call those divine appointments...  It can be hard to maintain a thankful heart in the midst of a struggle. But gratefulness can make the difference between sliding down a long hard path of bitterness – and believing in hope for things to turn.
I know. I’ve been there. I think we’ve all been tempted to give in to doubt and depression when things don’t seem to line up with God’s plan and his promises. However... His word is true. God’s promises are “yes and amen.” He is not slow in keeping his promises as some may think...  We’re less than 30 days into the new year, but I’m wondering—has 2023 lost its glitter? Have you lost your life purpose? Maybe you started the new year with great excitement but now you’ve lost your bearings or you’re wallowing in the muck of last year’s unfinished business. It’s time to shake off the dust so that you can experience all God has for you this year!
Here are five action steps you can implement today to regain the wonder and excitement of the year. You have a future and a hope in God. Now let’s help you find it...  “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8 NIV
There is healing in confession. There is healing at the cross. In a society where wrong is right and right is wrong, we’ve lost the power of confession. We’ve lost the gift of self-awareness and the acknowledgment that we are all “sinners saved by grace” in need of a Savior... |
Laura WoodworthWhat’s your dream? I pray you will be inspired and encouraged to pursue all God has for you. Now, more than ever, we need people of faith to go, do and become the light for the world. Archives
December 2023
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